Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Downey

California
169

Anaheim is 13% more expensive than Downey.

$2,082/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 9%
$90,583/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 4%
$771,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 6%
$2,165/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 8%
344,553
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $3,183/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Downey — common questions

Is Anaheim or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Downey?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Downey?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,183/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Downey details →